6 Easy Ways to Make Your Clothes Last Longer

It should come as no surprise that one of the best ways to save money on clothes is to shop sales and to take advantage of Editors' Choice clothing deals whenever possible. But if you take those bargain finds home and neglect to treat them with care, you'll likely have to replace them again in no time.

But if you properly care for your clothes, they'll last longer, and that'll save you even more money in the long run. In fact, taking care of your clothes can give them a life of 15 years or longer, compared to about three years if they're worn often and not maintained, says Grant Harris, owner of Image Granted, an image consultancy company in Washington, D.C.

Extending the life of your clothes doesn't have to mean hours of work, but it does require a bit of effort and planning. Here are some clothing care tips and ways to make your clothes last longer, which will in turn keep your wardrobe budget more manageable.

Give Your Clothing a Rest

It's basic advice, but it makes sense to rotate your shoes, suits, and other apparel so they're not in constant use or getting prematurely worn out, Harris says. "Rotation is key across your whole wardrobe. You don't want to wear the same suit two days in a row." Trousers get twice the stress of wear and tear that jackets do, and should be kept in the closet more often, he also advises. Shoes should be given time to air out, too.

Store Everything Properly

If you're not going to wear an outfit for a full season, then you should store it with care, Harris notes. Suits that are being put away for the summer, for example, should be hung on a suit hanger in a canvas bag that's breathable. And it's best not to jam your closet full of items, either.

It's important to consider how you're storing your clothes, since cheap plastic or wire hangers can stretch out the shoulder of a garment.

It's important to also consider how you're storing your clothes. Cheap plastic or wire hangers will stretch out the shoulder of a garment, while wooden hangers are best for men's suits or heavier items. Wider wooden hangers are pricier, but excellent for preserving a nice suit jacket's shoulders. And remember that knit fabrics shouldn't be put on hangers at all because the weight of the item will stretch it out over time.

Don't Use Dry Cleaning Too Much

Not only is dry cleaning expensive, but harsh chemicals such as starch will harm fabric, Harris says. "Most men dry clean things too often," he says. It's better to steam your clothes at home with a steamer (or in the bathroom during a shower) in between dry cleaning visits. If you do take them to the cleaners, ask that they be laundered, which is a less stressful option if the tag on the clothing says it can endure it, and have them ironed without starch.

Take Care When Washing

The easiest way to prevent clothes from fading or wearing out is to wash them with cold water and use less detergent. You can also turn shirts with graphics inside out before washing; wash jeans separately so the rough denim doesn't rub shirts raw over time; and wash delicate clothes on their own. Many consumers also swear by the clothes-preserving power of Woolite products.

Avoid the Dryer When Possible

High heat fades and shrinks material. In fact, the balls of lint you remove from your clothes dryer are actually fibers from your wardrobe. It's therefore advisable to use a dryer sparingly, and when possible line dry your clothes, says Linda Arroz, a former Hollywood stylist and co-author of Affordable Couture. What's more, heat breaks down the elastic fibers in clothes — especially intimate apparel — Arroz says, causing breakage and stretching. It's better to dry-flat or hang-dry such items.

High heat fades and shrinks material. In fact, the balls of lint you remove from your clothes dryer are actually fibers from your wardrobe.

If you do use the dryer, you can cut down on the time required to dry your clothes with a few different products. Dryer balls are tossed in the dryer with clothes so they purportedly dry faster and come out with fewer wrinkles. Even tennis balls can also help lift and separate clothes for better airflow and quicker drying time.

Refresh Clothing With a Dye Bath

If you're like photographer Catherine Fiehn and wear a lot of dark clothing, you may sometimes notice your blacks appear, well, not quite black. When Fiehn's outfits start looking dingy she picks up a simple black cloth dye and gives her items a dye bath. It's relatively simple to do and makes her apparel appear new again, Fiehn says.

With these simple care instructions, you'll find that your favorite shirt and that perfect pair of pants can withstand longer wear. And with the money you'll save on not buying replacements, you can invest in finer fabrics and higher-end garb, knowing you'll get the most out of each item.

Aaron Crowe is a freelance journalist in the San Francisco Bay Area. He has worked as a reporter and an editor for newspapers and websites. Follow him on Twitter at @AaronCrowe.

DealNews may be compensated by companies mentioned in this article.
Please note that, although prices sometimes fluctuate or expire
unexpectedly, all products and deals mentioned in this feature were
available at the lowest total price we could find at the time of
publication (unless otherwise specified).

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2 comments

Daniels Scott

There are different ways of taking care of garments or fabrics, but of course, at some point, it is going to depend on the type of fabric. Garments are staple, being one of the basic resource that humans need. In order to make them last longer, you have to take care of it. Detergents are basically cleaning agents, but excessive use of it can be harmful since detergent residue may lead to bacteria and mold build up. Always check the label to know the right way of cleaning garments. And to keep them looking new despite of the wear and tear, consider re-dyeing fabrics, use eco-friendly textile dye like keycolour.net, as this kind of dye does not pose harm to the environment. Also, t is a cost effective way to bring back the vibrance of clothes, so you can save yourself the trouble of spending more money in purchasing new clothes.

nimer

For years people believed that hot water cleans better. Not only does it wear out clothes, but also a waste of energy. I wash my colors with cold water, whites with either cold or warm (never hot) water. If your washer doesn't allow you to control temperature, use the 'light colors' cycle, it uses cold water